Explaining Contemporary Asian Military Modernization: The Myth of Asia's Arms Race

This book proposes a novel theoretical framework of interactive arming to explain armament dynamics in contemporary Asia, arguing that political rivalry drives conflict and that arming is a natural strategic behavior of states. It will be of interest to students of Asian security, strategic studies, and international relations.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 188 pages
\n Publication date: 20 April 2021
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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This book presents a groundbreaking theoretical framework for understanding the dynamics of armaments in contemporary Asia. Often, the modernization of modern naval forces in Asia is portrayed as an arms race, where countries engage in competitive and bilateral weapon acquisitions and increases in defense expenditure driven by conflicting purposes or mutual fears. However, this book argues that the concept of an arms race is inadequate to explain the complex military modernizations taking place in 21st-century Asia. Instead, it proposes a novel and innovative concept of interactive arming, which suggests that political rivalry, rather than weapons acquisitions, is the primary driver of conflict in the region.

The book challenges the conventional view of arming as abnormal behavior and instead views it as a natural strategic behavior of states. It argues that military modernization is a fundamental requirement for a state's ability to survive in an increasingly complex and interconnected global landscape. By examining the case studies of various Asian countries, the book demonstrates how interactive arming has shaped their security strategies, alliances, and conflicts.

This book will be of immense interest to students of Asian security, strategic studies, and international relations in general. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics of armaments in contemporary Asia, offering valuable insights into the future of regional security and international relations.

\n Weight: 442g\n
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367506780\n \n